Frustrated Mills doesn’t like being left out of Black Caps WC squad

Firstly, he cannot believe his poor luck that in a 10-year international career he has played just one World Cup match. His 31-year-old body has constantly suffered minor niggles or required surgery.

Secondly, as a victim of this summer’s rotation policy, he cannot earn a permanent spot in the team, despite his vast experience.

Thirdly, he cannot stand talking about winning at meetings while waiting days - and in the current case a week - to put those words into action, the New Zealand Herald reports.

Mills’ World Cup experience consists of bowling six overs for 32 against Bangladesh in South Africa almost eight years ago.

A knee injury ended his chances in 2007 and he faces a battle on the form and injury front to make the first XI this time, despite ranking in the world’s top 20 one-day bowlers since September 2005.

Coach John Wright and captain Daniel Vettori opted against using him against Australia in Friday’s loss in Nagpur, despite admitting he had returned to fitness after a bulging disc in his back ruled him out of the Kenya win.

Statistics indicate Mills could have been useful. He averages 17.57 in three matches on the subcontinent against Australia, compared to his career average of 26.47 in 126 ODIs.

Mills is too much of a team man to vent anger outside the team bubble, but an element of frustration wafts through.

“My first real bowl was the day before the [Australia] game and I felt reasonably good. The [tour] selectors decided to go with the team they did and that’s just the way it is.

Wright has said Mills will be picked against Zimbabwe on Friday night, provided his fitness holds. (ANI)